#SACEH24

EVENT SPEAKERS

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Join us in driving this vital transition to a circular economy!

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Hélène Rekkers

Hélène Rekkers serves as the Dutch Consul General in Cape Town since 2022, having an extensive diplomatic career with roles in Turkey, Tunisia, and at the World Bank. Since 1996, her work at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken her to Senegal, Germany, and UN Affairs, specializing in economic development and cooperation.

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Prof Linda Godfrey

Prof Linda Godfrey is a principal scientist at CSIR and an associate professor at North-West University with a PhD in engineering. She leads the Waste RDI Roadmap Implementation Unit, specializing in waste innovation, green economy, and integrated waste management. With 125+ specialist reports, she is a key contributor to waste management research and policy locally and globally.

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Dr. Theuns Vivian

Dr. Theuns Vivian is the Destination Development Manager for the City of Cape Town, specializing in tourism and entrepreneurship. Holding a doctorate in Tourism Business Growth and BEE from CPUT, he has served in senior roles across academia and tourism boards. A recipient of the Good Samaritan Award, he is passionate about sports and community development.

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Dr. John Ngoni Zvimba

Dr. John Ngoni Zvimba is a Research Manager at the South African Water Research Commission, specializing in mining and industrial water management. He holds a PhD in Bio-Physical Chemistry and has over 20 years of research experience, with 50+ publications. A former Adjunct Professor, he is a member of the Water Institute of Southern Africa and the International Water Association.

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Jasmina Devinck

Jasmina Devinck has a background in corporate and microfinance, with experience in both private and NGO sectors. A strong advocate for partnerships between for-profit and non-profit organizations, she joined Close The Gap to advance inclusive economic development in South Africa.

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Namhla Skweyiya

Namhla Skweyiya is a Food Safety and Security Specialist and qualified Food Technologist, pursuing a Master's in Environmental Health Sciences. As Program Manager at Living Soils Community Learning Farm, she promotes sustainable farming, food security, and regenerative agriculture, focusing on community empowerment.

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Prof. Hanri Mostert

Prof. Hanri Mostert earned her BA and Master’s in Law at Stellenbosch University and a DAAD Scholarship for doctoral studies at the Max Planck Institute. Since 2008, she has been a senior member of the University of Cape Town's Law Faculty, specializing in mineral and energy law, with a focus on Africa's extractive sectors.

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Kevin Kimwelle

Kevin Kimwelle is an award-winning architect specializing in alternative design technologies that promote social change and environmental sustainability. His work, spanning Africa, Europe, and the U.S., focuses on people-centered and affordable solutions, with notable features in COP27 and the 2023 Copenhagen Film Festival.

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Andy Du Plessis

Andy Du Plessis, Managing Director of FoodForward SA since 2013, has nearly 30 years of experience in the development sector and has scaled food banking operations across South Africa. He holds an Honours in Public Administration and an MPhil in Theology, and previously led the Peninsula School Feeding Association for 15 years.

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#SACEH 24

These sessions, led by industry experts, are designed to provide in-depth insights and foster thought-provoking discussions, ensuring you leave with actionable knowledge, ready to shape the future of sustainability and the circular economy.

Circularity for Water. What does that mean? Join us to explore how circularity can transform water management in South Africa. We'll discuss the challenges of water scarcity, pollution, and uneven access, and how innovative solutions like water reuse, recycling, and efficient management can ensure water security. This important topic will be linked back to industrial symbiosis where water efficiency is at the core, showcasing how circular water management is possible.

With a young population, great entrepreneurial spirit and adaptability, the digital revolution is one of the biggest opportunities to make Africa thrive. This requires a strong push and need for governments to ensure reliable, affordable electricity (power), and reliable and affordable access to internet to create equality and a level-playing field for all. How can digital technologies and innovations transform traditional linear business models and practices into circular economy principles? Connecting all the dots, designing for the future, and providing local jobs.

How can circularity in agriculture transform our food system and environment? This session will delve into sustainable farming practices, agroforestry, carbon credits, and waste reduction. Learn about organic waste flows, alternative proteins, and the role of community in local, sustainable food production. We explore how smart agriculture can enhance food quality and quantity while supporting a healthy ecosystem. Case studies will highlight innovative solutions.

We explore how circular practices can reduce environmental impacts in South Africa's mining sector. We'll discuss materials as a service, extractors as restorers, precision mining, waste recycling, and resource efficiency. Learn about regenerative mining, mine rehabilitation for biodiversity, and benefiting communities. Discover successful case studies and the importance of regulatory frameworks, innovations, and collaboration for a sustainable circular mining economy. The session will also connect to the current energy transition and discuss how resources need to be well managed for the country’s future success.

South Africa’s stunning landscapes, cultural heritage, and diverse wildlife make it a top travel destination, but growing tourism brings sustainability challenges. This session explores sustainable, inclusive, and circular tourism, addressing key questions: Do current standards make a difference? What smart procurement and product choices enhance value? How can we offset carbon emissions transparently? We will discuss the best practices on topics like waste, food, transport, and community impact.

First things first: we can only develop a National Plastic Action Plan to address plastic pollution if we understand the current situation, identify points of intervention across the value chain, determine necessary actions, and put in place the required enablers.
Join us to understand the challenge based on the latest knowledge and provide your input to the project process to ensure an effective Plastic Action Plan for South Africa. The outcome must be co-created by all stakeholders which would guide future policy and industry action.

Interested in this important project in the national plastic landscape? Share your knowledge and experience, and be part of co-creating a collective roadmap towards a National Plastics Action Plan. This session is for you. Here, you'll hear insights from the private sector, government officials, researchers, innovators, recyclers, informal waste reclaimers, and NGOs—all with the same objective but different roles to play.

Funded by UNEP and hosted by WWF South Africa, with speakers from WWF, CSIR, DFFE, and the stakeholders from the plastics life cycle.

Making South Africa's textile sector more circular and inclusive through redesign, repair, and recycling. We'll tackle fast fashion, overproduction, and waste while addressing high unemployment rates among marginalized groups like women and youth. Explore how the circular economy's "Repair, Remake & Resell" approach can create sustainable jobs and empower communities. Discover inspiring case studies and innovative solutions, including using organic waste like banana leaves for sustainable textiles.

Circular Economy Hotspots

Initiated in 2016, the Circular Economy Hotspot (CEH) is hosted annually in alternating cities and regions across the globe. These hotspot events aim to spotlight native circular economy solutions, initiatives, and innovation and demonstrate best practices through exhibitions and field trips, while facilitating culturally and politically diverse multi-stakeholder exchange and discussions.

Why South Africa?

South Africa's commitment to sustainable development and its dynamic business environment make it an ideal location for the Circular Economy Hotspot. The event will highlight innovative circular economy practices and foster global partnerships.

#SACEH24

Why a Circular Economy Conference?

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WHEN

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MEET OUR SPEAKERS

Hélène Rekkers​

Prof Linda Godfrey​

Dr. Theuns Vivian

Dr. John Ngoni Zvimba

Jasmina Devinck

Namhla Skweyiya

Prof. Hanri Mostert

Kevin Kimwelle

Andy Du Plessis

Objectives

Foster

Inspire

Co-create

Showcase

Initiate

Engage

#SACEH24 Offers More

Expo

Networking

Panel

Hackathon & fieldtrips

Matchmaking

Plenary

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Master of Ceremony

Let Africa be your guide.

#SACEH 24

Circular Economy Hotspots

Why South Africa?

Buckle up!

CONFERENCE ORGANIZERS

WITH INCREDIBLE SUPPORT FROM

In Proud Association With

Hélène Rekkers

Prof Linda Godfrey

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